పైన పారే పక్షి కింద పారే చీమ
paina pare pakshi kinda pare chima
Like the ant that crawls below a bird flying above. It has no chance.
This expression is used to describe an extremely high level of alertness or surveillance. It suggests that nothing, no matter how small or distant, can escape notice or pass through a particular area. It is often used when describing a place that is heavily guarded or a person who is exceptionally observant.
Related Phrases
ఏట్లో పారే నీళ్లు ఎవరు తాగితే ఏమి?
etlo pare nillu evaru tagite emi?
What matters it who drinks the water flowing in the river?
This proverb is used to describe resources that are abundant, public, or inexhaustible. It implies that when something is available in plenty for everyone, one shouldn't be stingy, jealous, or concerned about who else is utilizing it. It is often cited to suggest that communal or natural wealth belongs to all.
A right common to all.
పెండ్లినాడే పరగడుపైతే పైన పిల్లలు గూడానా?
pendlinade paragadupaite paina pillalu gudana?
If one remains on an empty stomach on the wedding day itself, will there be children in the future?
This expression is used to highlight a situation where things go wrong at the very beginning of an endeavor. It suggests that if the start is poor or lacking basic necessities, one cannot expect successful results or growth later on. It is a cautionary remark about poor planning or bad omens at the start of a project.
రెక్కాడితేనే గానీ డొక్కాడదు
rekkaditene gani dokkadadu
Only if the wings move, the stomach can be filled
This is a common Telugu proverb used to describe the lives of daily wage laborers or poor people. It means that one must work hard every single day just to afford a meal. If they stop working for even a day, they will go hungry. It highlights a hand-to-mouth existence where survival depends entirely on continuous physical labor.
పందిళ్ళ పైన పరువులెత్తనా
pandilla paina paruvulettana
Should I lift my honor/reputation over the wedding canopies?
This expression is used to describe someone who is making a public spectacle of their self-respect or dignity, often in an arrogant or overly dramatic way during social gatherings. It suggests that the person is trying too hard to show off their status or pride in a place where it is unnecessary or inappropriate.
పారే చీమ చప్పుడు వినేవాడు
pare chima chappudu vinevadu
A man who hears the noise of a creeping ant. As wary as a blind horse. He is so wary that he sleeps like a hare with his eyes open.
This expression refers to someone who is exceptionally sharp, highly observant, or suspicious. It describes a person who notices even the smallest details or secrets that others would typically miss. It can be used as a compliment for someone's alertness or as a critique of someone who is overly suspicious or eavesdropping.
ఏరుకుని తినే పక్షికి, ముక్కున ముల్లు విరిగినట్టు
erukuni tine pakshiki, mukkuna mullu viriginattu
Like a bird that picks up its food breaking a thorn in its beak.
This expression describes a situation where someone who is already struggling for their basic livelihood or survival encounters a new, painful obstacle. It is used when an unfortunate person, who is working hard to make ends meet, faces an unexpected problem that hinders their ability to perform their primary task.
పైన పోయే పక్షి ఈకలు ఎన్ని అన్నట్లు
paina poye pakshi ikalu enni annatlu
Like asking how many feathers a bird flying above has.
This expression is used to describe someone who makes impossible, absurd, or impractical claims or demands. It highlights the ridiculousness of trying to count or measure something that is out of reach and constantly moving, often used to mock someone's boastfulness or a useless inquiry.
రత్నాలు తినే పక్షికి రత్నాలు, రాళ్లు తినే పక్షికి రాళ్లు.
ratnalu tine pakshiki ratnalu, rallu tine pakshiki rallu.
To the bird that lives on gems, gems; to the bird that lives on stones, stones.
This proverb highlights the concept of merit and individual capacity. It suggests that people receive rewards or outcomes based on their worth, habits, or capabilities. Just as a bird is fed according to its nature, individuals get what they deserve or what they are accustomed to seeking.
God provides all his creatures with that which they need.
ఏట్లో పారే నీళ్ళు ఎవరు తాగితేనేం
etlo pare nillu evaru tagitenem
What does it matter who drinks the water flowing in the river?
This expression is used to describe a situation where there is an abundant or public resource available, and one shouldn't be stingy or possessive about it. It implies that when something is plenty and free-flowing (like river water), it doesn't cost the provider anything if someone else uses or benefits from it.
రెక్కలు విరిగిన పక్షిలా ఉన్నాడు
rekkalu virigina pakshila unnadu
Like a bird with broken wings. Utterly helpless.
This expression is used to describe a person who has become helpless, powerless, or has lost their support system. Just as a bird cannot fly or survive easily without its wings, it refers to someone who is unable to function or move forward in life due to a significant loss or failure.
* Chi non ha, non è.